Magic words

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 I have some magic words to share with you: Proven Framework for Mainstreaming.

That is the phrase I used in my emails and when talking with administrators while we were choosing a placement for SensiGirl's kindergarten.  I knew from her last IEP meeting that they only thought she could handle up to a maximum of 20% of her day in a regular education classroom, (if that.)  I knew it was important for her to go to a school that knew how to make the transition from a special education classroom to a regular education/inclusion classroom sometime in the future when she was ready.
The words came to me and I knew I had the concept I was trying to articulate when I was feeling dismayed at the other school choices I had.

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Sometimes you can research the words into concepts, sometimes you have to sit with them and put them together yourself. The important thing is you find a way to convey what you want for your child.  When talking about extended school year be sure to mention regression and recoupment in the Fall, as well as "window of of opportunity" for educating your special needs child.

When discussing behavior issues involving your child with sensory processing disorder make sure to mention that what looks like bad behavior could be due to involuntary reactions to sensory overload.

When talking about classrooms or school, use the word appropriate, as in free appropriate public education (FAPE,) and a certain class room setting that is appropriate for a child with your child's disabilities.

It is helpful to be familiar with the terms already in use to be able to use them for your child's benefit.  Here is a handy glossary of the terms used in discussing special education.
http://www.disabilityrights.org/glossary.htm

Here is a link to Pennsylvania's Department of Education's pamphlet for understanding the language of special education. It has helpful sections on disabilities and behaviors, and educational terms.
Understanding the Language of Special Education: A Glossary for Parents and Educators

It can be tricky when you see or know of something you don't want for your child. You must find a way to frame or express what you DO want for your child. Many schools have policies about not reqesting a specific teacher by name for your child. I always make sure I express in Random Guy's IEP what kind of classroom and teaching style is helpful for him to make progress.
Use the magic words and you may find you get exactly what you want.

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Extended School Year

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I swear SensiGirl always makes some big leap in skills or has a breakthrough right before the school year ends. Luckily she qualifies for Extended School Year here in Saint Paul. She attends 5 extra weeks of school during the summer to help her retain her skills and keep her from regressing.  That's the key. There are magic/legal words you need to use to get your child services. I will share with you all the magic words I know.  The ones for ESY are lack of progress and regression.  My son, Random Guy, doesn't qualify for ESY and hasn't since he was in Kindergarten. He does qualify for summer school with the school district and we have had success with having him attend regular education summer school. It only lasts 3 weeks, so I fill in with Community Education classes in things he likes, Legos, fencing, art, etc.  For Random Guy, he needs to maintain social skills over the summer, and our matrix fits the bill.
Different states have different standards legally that have been created in that locality. Do not take legal advice from school personnel is what the website is what wrightslaw.com advises.  As with most special educations issues we have entered the realm of legalese.  If it comes to a conflict with the school district about extended school year, get some more information from the Internet and then consult with a lawyer.  It can be hard to argue with all the legal terms used with this issue.  The disability services in your community usually have a list of lawyers who specialize in education and disability law.  


The basics of the law are as follows; regression is not the only factor in deciding if a child needs ESY services.  Several additional factors the IEP team should consider in making ESY decisions are:
Recoupment in the fall
Child's rate of progress
Child's behavioral or physical problems
Availability of alternative resources
Areas of the Child's curriculum that need continuous attention
Window of opportunity for educating a special needs child


What if your districts' summer school isn't appropriate for your child? Can you have services provided in your home?  Will the school district pay for a summer camp that has the services your child needs to maintain progress until school starts in the fall?  Is there a specific organization that they may have worked out a relationship to provide for special needs kids in the summer? If you want the school district to pay for services, make sure to broach the subject long before summer is upon you.  Explore and find out if they have paid for these things for other families. 

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Sometimes you find you end up with more questions than answers.  Hopefully what I wrote today will get your wheels turning to find out what is available for your child this summer.

  Here are some links to check:

Special needs grant resources:http://www.kidspeech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=812&Itemid=639

Find the right special needs camp:http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2012/02/08/how-to-find-the-right-special-needs-summer-camp/

For ESY legal information see:

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/esy.index.htm